The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 1679

“Karan, the footage…”

Pandora’s proud face had turned pale, her hands fisting her skirt as panic washed over her. “When it’s fixed… will they see everything we did to Shirley?” Her voice was barely more than a whisper, and the business with the phone flashed through her mind.

“Calm down for a second.” Karan’s nerves were on edge too, but she was older and made herself sound steadier. “Even if the footage comes back, it won’t necessarily point to us.”

Pandora glanced at her, biting her lip, eyes wide and lashes trembling. “Are you sure?”

“It wasn’t us who stole the phone or gave it back.” Karan forced herself to breathe. Her gaze stayed glued to the stage. “If anyone’s caught on camera, it’s that guy.”

Pandora knew exactly who she meant: the thief with all the skills, the one they’d paid to do the dirty work. He’d finished the job and vanished. If the footage showed anything, it would be him. No one would be able to track him down at this point. And if he couldn’t be found, why would suspicion ever land on them?

Thinking about it, Pandora felt her panic start to fade away.

“It’s just a shame,” she muttered, still frustrated. “We didn’t get to take Shirley down for good.”

Karan’s lips curled into a cold smile. “If they can’t find the thief, they can’t prove it was him who sent the texts. Shirley still has no real way to prove she’s innocent.”

No matter how this played out, Shirley’s reputation was ruined. Worst case, she’d lose her chance at the exchange program, and if that happened, there was no way she’d get in. That thought brought Pandora and Karan to a quiet understanding. The fear they’d felt faded. Now they sat back, almost eager to watch how this would unfold.

Let the footage come back. They’d just wait and see what happened next.

Andrew, shoulders tight, finally let out the breath he’d been holding. At last, Shirley would have the truth on her side.

Dorothy watched the screen and couldn’t help scoffing. “Let’s see the whole thing before we celebrate.” From the way Karan and Pandora were acting, she still doubted the plan had failed.

As Dorothy spoke, she glanced at the two girls sitting quietly at the edge of the crowd. This mess wouldn’t be cleaned up so easily.

“Skip to the important part,” Hartley instructed, wiping sweat from his brow. “I want everyone watching every second. No mistakes.”

All around them, reporters turned on their cameras, aiming toward the big screen at the front. The chatter faded out and the hall filled with a heavy, nervous silence. All eyes were locked on the unfolding truth.